Getting a U.S. Passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) in Colombia
If you’ve recently welcomed a child into your family through surrogacy in Colombia, one of the most critical steps you’ll need to take is obtaining a U.S. passport and a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your baby. This process is essential for ensuring your child’s U.S. citizenship and allowing them to travel home with you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this process as smooth as possible.
Obtaining a USA Passport and CRBA for Your Baby
Once you have the notarized Colombian Birth Certificate in hand, follow these steps:
- Contact the U.S. Embassy: Email acsbogota@state.gov to request a CRBA and Passport Application appointment.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Arrive 15 minutes early at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá and go to the “American Citizens Services” gate at Calle 24 Bis #48-50.
- Security Checks: Go through security checks, including bag inspections and metal detectors. Leave your cell phones and computers in designated areas and get a claim ticket.
- Application Process: Proceed to Window #1, inform them of your appointment, and pay the required fees. Complete the DHL slip with your Bogota address, pay for shipping at the DHL booth, and wait for your name to be called.
- Document Submission: Hand over all necessary documents as requested and sign them when required.
- Swearing In: The Consul will ask questions about surrogacy, U.S. residency, marriage, and your baby. Raise your right hand to swear the oath, and show your baby’s face. The Consul will declare your baby a U.S. Citizen.
- Final Steps: You’ll receive instructions on picking up the passport and forms and mailing instructions.
Completing the Colombian Birth Registry
Complete the Colombian birth registry before you can begin the U.S. passport and CRBA process. In our case CELAGEM provided full support for this step.
Filling Out the Necessary Forms
To streamline the U.S. passport and CRBA process, it’s crucial to fill out the required forms correctly. Here are some helpful links to instructional videos:
- How to Fill Out DS-2029; Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- How to Fill Out the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport
- How to Fill Out the DS-3053; Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child
Make sure to get Form DS-3053 signed by your surrogate. Keep all essential documents organized, including the Colombian Civil Registry, passports, a 5×5 photo of your baby, and proof of physical presence in the USA.
Birth Certificate Details
The Colombian birth certificate will only list the biological father and the surrogate’s name. An amendment will be submitted later to remove the surrogate’s name. but the initial certificate is sufficient for the U.S. embassy. The CRBA will list both fathers in a same sex couple or the mother who contributed her genetic material during IVF in a heterosexual couple.
What Is a CRBA?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), also known as Form FS-240, is a document that proves your child’s U.S. citizenship when born outside the United States. It’s crucial for establishing your child’s nationality and citizenship. It is obtained at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where your child was born. A CRBA is not used for identification purposes like a passport; it is proof of U.S. citizenship.
Applying for a CRBA
To apply for a CRBA, contact the nearest U.S. consular office. You must sign the completed application before a consular officer or notary. Remember that CRBAs cannot be used for identity verification; their sole purpose is establishing U.S. citizenship or nationality.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll provide detailed guidance on the CRBA application process and answer frequently asked questions.
CRBA and US Passport both. Obtaining a U.S. passport and a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your baby
Want help getting a U.S. Passport or CRBA in Colombia?
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